Visual Phenomena: Possible Eye Conditions Explained

Q: Visual Phenomena: Possible Eye Conditions Explained

Hello： 1. Seeing small white halos when opening your eyes in the dark and noticing trails when moving your head may indicate vitreous floaters or a retinal issue. After examination, a retinal tear was found, which could be the cause of these phenomena. 2.

Seeing small halos when moving the eyes in the dark / perceiving a bright direction when looking in the dark?

I would like to inquire about two phenomena and whether they are signs of any disease.

1.
In the dark, when I open my eyes and look towards the outer corners, moving my head causes me to see small white halos that move and leave a trail, approximately the same size as my pupils.

2.
In darker areas, when I focus my eyes on a point and then look around, I feel like there is a direction that appears very bright.
When I look in that direction, it seems like the light becomes even brighter, for example, at 11 o'clock with my left eye and 3 o'clock with my right eye.
I only notice this in dark places, but it is somewhat difficult to reproduce.
About a week ago, while reading text, my vision became slightly blurry, and when I turned my head, I saw a flash of light.
On February 16, I visited a doctor, and before I could finish describing the first phenomenon, the doctor immediately examined me and performed laser treatment on two holes in my left eye and one in my right eye.
Since both phenomena still exist, I would like to clarify.
My prescription is -7.25 for the left eye and -7.75 for the right eye, with astigmatism of -1.50 in both eyes.
Thank you for your assistance, doctor.

Cai Jinghan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/02/19

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello:
1.
Seeing small white halos when opening your eyes in the dark and noticing trails when moving your head may indicate vitreous floaters or a retinal issue.
After examination, a retinal tear was found, which could be the cause of these phenomena.

2.
In darker environments, focusing on a point and then looking around may lead to the sensation of brightness in a certain direction, which could be related to the function of the retina or other components of the visual system.
If there is retinal traction or a tear, this phenomenon may occur.
After laser treatment, this sensation may still persist; however, the laser procedure will prevent further damage from the retinal tear or traction, such as retinal detachment.

Please continue to follow your physician's recommended follow-up schedule, or return for an appointment if there are any changes in your condition.
Wishing you good health!

Reply Date: 2024/02/19

More Info

The visual phenomena you are experiencing, particularly the white halos and the bright spots in low-light conditions, can be indicative of several underlying eye conditions. Given your recent diagnosis of retinal holes and the subsequent laser treatment, it is essential to understand how these symptoms relate to your overall eye health.

1. White Halos and Trailing Effects: The observation of white halos or light trails when moving your head or eyes can be associated with several factors. One common cause is the presence of floaters, which are small clumps of gel or cells inside the vitreous, the clear gel that fills the eye. As the vitreous gel shrinks with age or due to other factors, it can create shadows on the retina, perceived as floaters or halos. However, since you have mentioned that these symptoms occur particularly in low-light conditions, it could also be related to glare sensitivity or night vision issues. This is often exacerbated by conditions such as cataracts or changes in the lens of the eye, which can scatter light and create halos around lights.

2. Bright Spots in Low Light: The phenomenon of seeing bright spots or areas of increased brightness when focusing in dim lighting can be attributed to several factors. One possibility is photopsia, which refers to the perception of flashes of light. This can occur due to retinal irritation or stimulation, which might be linked to your recent retinal issues. The fact that you notice this primarily in darker environments suggests that your eyes are straining to adapt to low light, which can enhance the perception of these bright spots.

Given your recent treatment for retinal holes, it is crucial to monitor these symptoms closely. While the laser treatment can effectively seal retinal tears and prevent further complications, the presence of ongoing visual disturbances warrants further evaluation. Here are some considerations:
- Retinal Health: Since you have had retinal holes, it’s essential to keep an eye on any new symptoms. If you experience an increase in the number of floaters, flashes of light, or any sudden changes in vision, you should seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of retinal detachment, which is a serious condition.

- Visual Acuity and Correction: Your current prescription indicates significant myopia (nearsightedness) and astigmatism. It is possible that your visual symptoms are related to an inadequate correction of your refractive error. Regular eye exams are crucial to ensure that your prescription is up to date, as changes in your vision can occur, especially with high degrees of myopia.

- Eye Fatigue and Strain: Prolonged periods of focusing, especially on screens or in low-light conditions, can lead to eye strain, which may exacerbate symptoms like halos and visual disturbances. Implementing the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can help alleviate some of this strain.

- Follow-Up Care: Given your history and current symptoms, it is advisable to have regular follow-ups with your eye care provider. They can perform comprehensive examinations, including retinal imaging, to monitor for any changes in your retinal health.

In conclusion, while the symptoms you describe can be concerning, they are not uncommon in individuals with high myopia and after experiencing retinal issues. However, due to the complexity of eye health, it is essential to maintain open communication with your eye care provider and report any new or worsening symptoms promptly. Regular check-ups will ensure that any potential issues are addressed early, helping to preserve your vision and overall eye health.

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